There are a lot of good players in the academy that we desperately need to make the step up next year, even if its only for a few (<10) games each; Finn, Layden and the Leaders I think have shown that they have what it takes and Carty needs to show that he wants to be a pro. Obviously this is always important but considering where the squad is atm the academy will probably be asked to add depth even more than this year.

im sure he's only to happy to be playing in the top 14 and more then likely on a new contract but Ex-Clontarf, Belvo and Leinster U20s scrumhalf James Hart made his first Top14 start for Grenoble this weekend. 21 years old.
im sure bernard jackman brought him over. maybe in a year or two when he is getting game time and has his eye on a green ireland shirt, he might be worth a look

Interesting, someone to keep an eye on. For me next year it should be Marmion as first choice SH with Marcus Walshe given a decent chance to become no. 2 as POD or Murphy have done nothing for us the last 2 seasons.

As for McIllwaine he's average not bad or good just average. We have better options coming up and in the academy.

im sure he's only to happy to be playing in the top 14 and more then likely on a new contract but Ex-Clontarf, Belvo and Leinster U20s scrumhalf James Hart made his first Top14 start for Grenoble this weekend. 21 years old.
im sure bernard jackman brought him over. maybe in a year or two when he is getting game time and has his eye on a green ireland shirt, he might be worth a look

Ronaldson would be a good back up 10 signing with the potential of taking the 10 jersey outright. If he has any sense he will choose Connacht over Munster. With Parks probably set to retire at the end of next season the jersey would be his to lose. Whereas if he went to Munster he would be at best 3rd choice and probably 4th choice.

In what I've seen of him his defence would be my main concern but that can improve with work. Also he is playing in a serious Landsdowne team who are dominant most weeks and have a lot of players who have or will play professionally so how would he react to being behind a beaten pack. Either way he's shown enough quality to deserve a shot at a higher level.

No I checked this, unfortunatly..

what about full back David McIlwaine for bristol. did he play?

Edit : it seems to be pretty much the same video, this Rowley tried to trick us

And we could target him, He might be easily released 'cause he made 2 highlight videos in January

Just watched Plymouth match on Sky, to overlook the 3 Irish of the club

1) Somebody here said Declan Cusack was a disaster, he's absolutly right : 2/5 kicks on target, poor passes and boot most of the time, erratic defence...

2) Cushion 30 y.o SH, is the captain, thought he could have brought some experience for us next year, but he hasn't in any case the Robo level (hardly the Championship one)

3) Paul Rowley replaced him for 8 minutes and touched more balls than him (i don't exagerate, Plymouth only had posseession in the end). Here's an interesting guy, dynamic, busy in defense, a great opportunity for us to cover Moore (and Murphy?) departure, and he might even step as 2nd choice in front of O'Donoghue behind Kieran!

As you can see I'm not a huge follower of the AIL :lol: Any other talents in the U20 team we should keep an eye on?

Lads, Roche was playing for our u20 team this year so I'd be confident we'll have him in our academy next year. Fingers crossed, looks a good prospect.

sweet, any chance we could get our hands on Roche? seems beast of a player for a 19 year old

You got there before me Rathead. Would really like to see as back up for Griffin next season. Was disappointed in Earle tbh I was thinking we sign him and turn him into a six like Browne but he seems to slow for Rabo rugby.

mary hinge wrote: Ronaldson, the exciting young No10 at Lansdowne, on the verge of signing with us according to this morning's IT! That cooks Jarvis' goose.

We should be in no rush to let Jarvis go. He may not be a future first choice OH but he's versatile and only 22. Parks and Nikora may both be leaving us after next season.

mary hinge wrote: Ronaldson, the exciting young No10 at Lansdowne, on the verge of signing with us according to this morning's IT! That cooks Jarvis' goose.

sweet, any chance we could get our hands on Roche? seems beast of a player for a 19 year old

EDIT: heard he played underage with us- do we have him contracted to our academy?

Would be a cracking signing imo

He has got skills

Ronaldson, the exciting young No10 at Lansdowne, on the verge of signing with us according to this morning's IT! That cooks Jarvis' goose.